Profiles

Cyclone Manufacturing partners with Ontario on a $64.8 million project.

Cyclone Manufacturing, a Mississauga, Ontario-based manufacturer of precision components for aircraft, is partnering with the province to invest in a $64.8 million project that focuses on new technology and expansion of Cyclone’s Mississauga facilities.

The partnership between Ontario and Cyclone will create more than 130 new jobs and retain 554 positions, according to Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development and Growth.

“The project marks a significant new chapter in the development of our company,” Cyclone’s President Andrew Sochaj stated. “With this investment in the latest production and finishing technologies, Cyclone will be able to offer even greater innovation and flexibility for our valued customers.”

Shields Manufacturing’s clients can count on it in a pinch for the parts they need.

By Alan Dorich

Shields Manufacturing Inc. sets itself apart by doing things differently from its competitors, President William Shields says. For example, he notes, “There’s not a lot of shops that machine plastics effectively.”

But Shields Manufacturing can and applies the same skill to metals. “Some of the products we make in the metals side are not easily made in high production quantities,” he says. “We’ve developed processes to do that.”

Based in Tualatin, Ore., Shields Manufacturing specializes in CNC machining and turning and mechanical/optical assembly for clients in the semiconductor, medical and aerospace industries. Shields founded the company in 1991 after working for another firm.

Northeast Tool invests millions into new technology and expanding its manufacturing facility.

By Kat Zeman

Staying ahead of the game requires resolution and investment – especially when you’re a supplier of precision-machined parts and assemblies for the aerospace, defense, energy, medical and commercial industries.

Matthews, N.C.-based Northeast Tool has been staying ahead of the game for more than 50 years. As a general rule, the company invests between 8 to 12 percent of its annual gross sales to purchase highly mechanized, technology-driven manufacturing and support solutions. This year, it’s spending roughly $2.5 million on capital investments and starting on an $11 million expansion project at its facility in Charlotte, N.C.

“This drives and supports continuous improvement along many areas of our business,” CEO Rusty Arant says. “Northeast Tool has a long track record of investing in the latest technology that the industry has to offer.”

Unlike many of its competitors, GapVax doesn’t mass-produce identical products. Instead, the manufacturer of industrial and municipal vacuum equipment is known for its ability to customize products based on individual customer needs.

“Most of our trucks are custom-built for that particular customer and his region,” says Gary Poborsky, owner and founder. “Customers have different needs. Some need a larger water capacity and some need a more powerful vacuum blower.”

In an era where the average life of a Fortune 500 company is 15 years, Cambridge-Lee Industries LLC is proudly celebrating its 75th anniversary of manufacturing copper tubing in Reading, Pa. The company has grown to become one of the world’s leaders in the manufacturing of copper tubing for water supply, air conditioning, refrigeration and a variety of commercial applications. It is at the forefront of the distribution of copper-focused products, as well.

“We strive to be the easiest company to work with and the best company to work for,” CEO Andrea Funk says. “Our employees are our greatest assets and we put the highest value on them. Our employees work together to deliver optimal customer satisfaction. We believe in a win-win partnership with all stakeholders.”

Minnesota Flexible Corp.’s sales and other staff are key to the company’s success.

By Jim Harris

Minnesota Flexible Corp. (MFC) believes in putting its best foot forward when it comes to serving existing customers and attracting new business.

“Our sales staff is highly technical and very well-educated,” says Will Stewart, president of the St. Paul, Minn.-headquartered company. “They really know our products.”

Sales training is a high priority for MFC. “We hire people who have no prior industry experience, but are bright and well-educated, and train them in our industry and product line,” Vice President of Sales Andy Larsen notes. “The end result is that we have sharp people who are well-versed in our products and industry.”

BBS Automation aims to exceed its customers’ expectations by taking its service to the next level.

By Bianca Herron

BBS Automation provides assembly and testing systems for clients in the life sciences, automotive, energy and energy storage industries, many of whom are Fortune 500 companies. In addition, BBS Automation performs contract manufacturing for customers that require multiple machines to be built.

Along with its Bartlett, Ill., location, BBS Automation has two facilities and its group headquarters in Germany, two in China, one in Malaysia and an engineering office in Canada. The company recently finalized Mexico expansion plans, according to Group Chief Operating Officer and President Darragh Staunton.

Boone Center strives to achieve its ultimate vision by providing meaningful employment to adults with disabilities and being a value-added partner to its customers.

By Janice Hoppe-Spiers

Boone Center Inc. (BCI) is driven to be an efficient and cost-effective co-packer for companies looking for an outsourced solution to their business needs while fulfilling its social mission to provide jobs and opportunities for adults with disabilities. “We are a real co-packing, production and manufacturing facility that will do $20 million in revenue this year,” CEO Tony Spielberg says. “Most customers we have done work with in the past say we outperform our competitors in quality and production. I would put our workforce up against any of our competition.”

Margaret Holmes and Jane Crider founded the St. Peters, Mo.-based company nearly 60 years ago as a home-based candle shop with a mission to employ adults with disabilities. “They started this business with just one employee,” Spielberg says. “The support and response they received in the community strengthened their belief that everyone, regardless of ability, had the right and deserved the chance to find fulfillment through work.”

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